Upgraded to 128GB memory and seeking safe RAM evaluation methods
Upgraded to 128GB memory and seeking safe RAM evaluation methods
I just completed an upgrade on a GB X570 Aorus Elite and it runs smoothly at XMP 1 (3600MT/s). I was surprised by how stable it is. I assembled two 64GB kits from Kingston Fury DDR4 and expected some trouble during boot, but everything worked out after turning it on. Unlike the G.Skill I’m swapping (which I confirmed supported in the list), this RAM won’t exceed 2100MT/s and feels very reliable. My intuition told me it would perform well, so I was relieved when it did. I’m curious about other tests to run besides MemTest86—any recommendations? I have a return window but haven’t checked the latest ones yet.
After setting up 128GB of RAM, execute the application you installed for it to verify functionality.
Is that your test? That's the genuine best one. Otherwise, use the software you have with this amount of RAM.
Execute MemTest86 on that system. Avoid relying on intuition—what seems right can be misleading. If a small part of the DIMM or incorrect timing/voltage triggers a bit error, you won’t detect it until a kernel panic occurs or data in RAM gets written back to disk, potentially ruining your settings and documents. Regarding the lengthy startup, it likely reflects memory training triggered during POST; this is typical when installing or upgrading RAM for the first time.
Not finished yet. Thought a mistake in the initial XMP settings would cause trouble, so I planned weeks of testing RAM combinations. Now I’m stuck, just trying to open enough Chrome tabs to bring the system down. I really don’t like running MemTest unless I notice issues, since back then a stable system would act odd after one baseline run. It worked out fine, but the damage was done. Still unsure what happened, but once it was fixed, I found a faulty DIMM. It was a long, frustrating process. After that hiccup, I ran MemTest again and identified the culprit. It took time and effort. And once it was resolved, the system stayed stable for years. I rely on a mix of experience, instinct, practical problem-solving, and realistic risk assessment—not just gut feelings—to decide if something is wrong. I’m more accurate than guessing, especially when catching problems early. Still, I know a thorough test beats a quick check, even though MemTest can hit the hardware too hard. By the way, when did you last talk about boot time?
128gb of RAM has been common for a while, and it seems like a strange reason to avoid testing memory or running programs that use it right after installation. I don’t know how many systems pass memory tests yet still have problems with RAM. Most of the machines we see today fail tests even though they seem stable. Your idea that memory tests are only for the most reliable computers isn’t true—those tests aren’t meant to be realistic for everyday use. If you’re looking for something real, there’s no such thing as a perfect setup.
It's a binary situation—either the circuits are meant to hold ones or zeros. Without a proper test, you can't be sure of your memory. You might only notice problems like app crashes or kernel errors; then you'd need to examine the full memory dump to find real hardware faults or bugs in the code. Good luck! A memtest would thoroughly check every address space, which is exactly what you should aim for.
Appreciate all the support you've offered. I understand your concerns about personal time and effort. However, I think there was a mix-up. My goal wasn't to fix faulty RAM but to evaluate new RAM for quick issues. I didn’t rely on MemTest86, and my main concern was compatibility with the store’s return policy before the product arrived. Once installed, everything functioned smoothly at the default settings. Updating firmware and replacing the CMOS battery helped too. Despite being a long-time user, this experience feels refreshing after years of working with computers. Thanks for your help!
This is where people get hung up. There is zero reason to not run memtest86. It is not a destructive program. It does not harm your ram. Your past experience of ram flaking out was because you ran too close to the sun, not because memtest86 caused "good sticks to go bad".